Tolu Arokodare proved to be Nigeria’s hero in Uyo on Saturday, scoring the only goal that gave the Super Eagles a vital 1-0 win over Rwanda in their World Cup qualifier.

The hard-fought win keeps Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly alive after a tense Group C encounter against the Amavubi.

Nigeria started strongly at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and believed they had scored early through Victor Osimhen, but the goal was disallowed for offside after he met Ademola Lookman’s pass.

The Super Eagles pushed forward, with Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi testing goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, but Rwanda sat deep and made the first half a frustrating one for the hosts.

Victor Osimhen was subbed off before the break, showing a sign of fitness doubt, which allowed Cyril Dessers to strengthen the frontline.

The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after halftime when substitute Arokodare delivered a powerful right-footed shot from the heart of the box, allowing the new Wolves striker to secure the match-winner.

Nigeria continued to press to extend their lead, with Simon and Lookman both denied by fine saves from Ntwari, while Calvin Bassey’s late block spared the Super Eagles from an equaliser.

Eric Chelle’s side escaped through the intense win over Rwanda. They now face a huge task as they travel to face South Africa on Tuesday, September 9.

With three games left to decide Nigeria’s fate, they must win against Bafana Bafana to be eligible to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles have lost one match, drawn two, and won two, placing them third in the standings ahead of Benin and South Africa.

If Chelle’s men fail the task, their hopes can be boosted since the international governing body FIFA has not ruled on the case of South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their match against Lesotho in March.